Joanna Kourtidis

Prairie State College's Strategic Plan outlines its vision, goals, and priorities to guide institutional growth and development. It serves as a roadmap to enhance student success, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure sustainable institutional excellence. Key guiding values include Learning, Equity, Access, Integrity, Innovation, Sustainability, and Community, aiming to empower students, inspire learners, and make a positive global impact through affordable, high-quality educational opportunities.

The Board discussed faculty tenure determinations, including the approval of tenure for one professor and the denial for two others. The meeting also covered the non-renewal of a nursing faculty member's contract, the issuance of annual contracts for other tenure-track faculty, and the appointment of an Acting Board Treasurer. Additional institutional actions included the approval of a board policy on immigration authorities, the elimination of several outdated board policies, and the approval of a new certificate program in Data Analytics alongside the elimination of a Physical Therapist Assistant program. The Board also authorized an electricity procurement process and approved various budget transfers.

The meeting included the presentation of the Pioneer Award and a review of adult education and literacy programs. Action items included the final reading of board policies regarding non-discrimination and crime awareness. The board approved a five-year lease agreement for mail equipment, the renewal of Adobe Creative Cloud licenses, the retroactive purchase of instructional tools and forklifts, and the adoption of the 2026-2028 academic calendar. Additionally, the board approved budget transfers, received reports from the President’s cabinet, discussed the current financial status and mitigation measures, and received updates from regional and professional association representatives.

The Board meeting included the official swearing-in of the new Student Trustee, the presentation of the Pioneer Award to a faculty member, and the receipt of the ITR Annual Report. Key actions included the appointment of an Assistant Professor of Automotive Technology, approval of a SURS payment, and the first reading of several Board policies. Financial actions involved the renewal of various software and support contracts, payment of insurance premiums, approval of renovation projects for student-facing offices, and authorization of a 15-passenger van purchase for the Athletics Department. The Board also reviewed President's cabinet, financial, foundation, and faculty reports. During a closed session, the Board voted to extend the college President's contract by one year.

The meeting included the recognition of various academic and athletic award recipients, including Phi Theta Kappa members, the Forensics team, and recipients of academic achievement and communication awards. Consent items included approval of personnel resignations, faculty compensation for credit and non-credit spring courses, and the listing of bills payable. Action items involved the approval of a service agreement for mental health and tutoring services with Upswing International, the authorization to issue general obligation bonds for operational expenditures, and the approval of budget transfers. Additionally, reports were presented by the President, the Interim CFO, the Foundation, the Faculty, and the Student Government Association, followed by updates on future college events and association activities.